Whale Rock

Whale Rock is a small offshore reef pinnacle shaped like a whale, rising from deep water and surrounded by coral-covered slopes and reef gardens. The site is encrusted with hard and soft corals and large sponges, providing habitat that supports both macro life and larger schooling fish and reef sharks; pygmy seahorses cling to gorgonian fans and wobbegong carpet sharks rest under ledges. Dives are boat access only and are typically drift dives along the reef slope, drifting from one end of the rock to the other. Reef gardens begin around 6-10 m and descend to roughly 20-25 m. Moderate currents flow through gaps and along the slopes, visibility is generally very good (often 20-30 m), and water temperatures are about 28-30°C. Reported hazards are those typical of drift diving: strong currents, boat-dependent entry and exit, and depths to about 25 m.